Newport Society: The Passing of a Legend

My first post of the New Year is in honor of Marion Oates Charles, a legendary hostess and fixture of society in Newport and Washington D.C. since the 1950’s. “Oatsie,”… Read More

Ballyfin: An Irish “World Apart”

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If you love a wonderful story, a dreamy, romantic setting and a knight in shining armor who saved the day, then look no further than Ireland’s Ballyfin demesne. Having had… Read More

The Return of Downton Abbey

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Is it just a coincidence that the announcement of Downton Abbey’s return as a silver screen adaption is coming out a mere three to four weeks before Coaching Weekend returns… Read More

“Meet Me in St. Louis”

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St. Louis is a town I’ve longed to return to since my last visit, forty plus years ago. With a “thank you” to the Garden Club of St. Louis, for… Read More

The Little Black Dress of Flower Urns

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Many gardeners have a favorite “go to” container for our flower arrangements. They’re like an old friend — reliable (water tight), accountable (whatever you arrange in them looks good), stylish… Read More

Newport, “Before and After” the Blizzard

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I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been intrigued with the “before and after” images in decorating magazines. This past December a version of this opportunity presented itself in… Read More

A Winter Tale: Imagining a 19th Century Garret

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This is a post that I wrote months ago but neither the season nor the opportunity ever presented itself for adding it to the website. Slipping into this New Year,… Read More

Carriage and Gate Houses of Newport, Part 2

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There are more carriage and gate houses in Newport than I had ever imagined, so here is part 2 as a wrap-up to my summer post on the subject. I… Read More